The public is invited to attend a grand opening ceremony for the new Dog Park at Bixby Park on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., at 130 Cherry Avenue.

“Bixby Dog Park will be the 11th off leash dog recreation area to open in the City of Long Beach,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “This newest park makes a total of 11 acres in the City where dogs and their owners can make friends and be active.”

The dog park was developed in response to a large community outreach effort by both Councilmember Jeannine Pearce and Councilwoman Suzie Price that determined the park location and the need to create separate play areas for large and small breeds.

“Bixby Park has undergone a real transformation," said Councilmember Jeannine Pearce. “This dog park is the latest element of the Bixby Park Master plan to be completed and enhance the park’s amenities for residents. The first phase of the plan included a new playground and fitness loop that opened in September 2015.”

“This new dog park is a great asset that dog owners in both the 2nd and 3rd Council Districts will benefit from,” said Councilmember Suzie Price. “The area further activates the park, adding to the sense of community that brings people together.”

The cost for the development of the dog park was approximately $100,000, with funding coming from the 2nd and 3rd Council District one-time Infrastructure funds. The Friends of Bixby Park also supported the project by raising and donating $12,000 for dog park fencing that compliments the historic furnishings throughout Bixby Park.

Long Beach Animal Care Services will offer a low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic, along with spay/neuter vouchers and licensing information at the event.

For more information regarding the event, please call Gladys Kaiser, Manager of Community Recreation Services, at (562) 570-3150.

About Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine

The Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) is one of the premier parks and recreation departments in the country, is consistently recognized for excellence in management practices and programs, and has received the national Gold Medal Award four times. PRM operates 170 parks with 26 community centers; two major tennis centers; an animal shelter; one of the busiest municipal golf systems in the country with five courses; and the largest municipally operated marina system in the nation with over 3,200 boat slips. More than 3,200 acres are developed for recreation. The Department offers approximately 2,400 contract classes (fitness, health, enrichment) to people of all ages (newborn to senior) every year; after-school programs at 26 sites during the school year; and summer programs for youth 5-12 years old. Other unique sites include multiple community gardens, a municipal cemetery, more than 38 miles of bike trails, 10 dog parks, and eight skate parks.

For more information about Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine programs and services, visit www.lbparks.org. Please “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @LongBeachParks.